Open loop power offset update

ABSTRACT

Provided is an feedback mechanism to correct power control information in a broadcast signal that is determined to be incorrect by one or more devices that receive and rely on the broadcast information. A device that receives the incorrect broadcast information can determine a correction and to the information and provide a recommendation to tilt source of the broadcast information. The source can selectively determine whether to modify the broadcast information based on the recommendation from one or more devices. If the broadcast information is modified, subsequent devices that receive the broadcast information are provided with the modified information. If further changes are needed, the subsequent devices can provide further recommended changes.

The present Application for Patent is a continuation of patentapplication Ser. No. 11/773,939 entitled “OPEN LOOP POWER OFFSET UPDATE”filed Jul. 5, 2007, now allowed and assigned to the assignee hereof andhereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

I. Field

The following description relates generally to wireless communications,and more particularly to open loop power control in a wirelesscommunication environment.

II. Background

Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide varioustypes of communication and have become a prevalent means by which alarge number of people worldwide communicate. A typical wirelesscommunication system or network can provide multiple users access to oneor more shared resources. For instance, a system may use a variety ofmultiple access techniques such as Frequency Division Multiplexing(FDM), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), Code Division Multiplexing(CDM), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), and others.Wireless communication devices have become smaller and more powerful tomeet consumer needs, which include improved portability and convenience.Users have found many uses for wireless communication devices, such ascellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and the like,and such users demand reliable service and expanded coverage areas.

Wireless communications networks are commonly utilized to communicateinformation regardless of where a user is located (inside or outside astructure) and whether a user is stationary or moving (e.g. in avehicle, walking). Generally, wireless communications networks areestablished through a mobile device communicating with a base station oraccess point. The access point covers a geographic region or cell and,as the mobile device is operated, the mobile device may move in and outof these geographic cells. To achieve uninterrupted communication, themobile device is assigned resources of a cell it has entered andde-assigned resources of a cell it has exited.

To effectuate continued coverage, access points associated with networksare geographically positioned so as users change location they do notlose services. Thus, mobile devices can be “handed off” from a firstbase station to a second base station. In other words, a mobile stationwill be serviced by a first base station while in a geographic regionassociated with such base station. When the mobile device is transportedto a region associated with a second base station, the mobile devicewill be handed off from the first base station to the second basestation. Ideally, the handoff occurs without data loss, loss of service,and the like. However, if it takes a mobile device an excessive amountof time to establish communication with a base station, the call mightbe lost or communications interrupted. In addition, inadequatecommunication with a base station might cause interference toneighboring devices.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects inorder to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary isnot an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intendedto neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nordelineate the scope deny or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to presentsome concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a preludeto the more detailed description that is presented later.

In accordance with one or more examples and corresponding disclosurethereof, various aspects are described in connection with facilitatingautomatic correction of broadcast information through a feedbackmechanism so that subsequent broadcast communications includeinformation that is more accurate. Information included in a broadcastsignal can relate to information necessary for a device to communicatewith base stations or other devices in a vicinity of the device. Assuch, broadcast information can include an access point transmit power,an access point receive power target, power loss, and other information.If the broadcast information is determined to be incorrect, the accesspoint (or other device that broadcast the information) can receive arecommended modification and selectively apply such modification toinformation contained in a subsequent broadcast signal.

Another aspect relates to a method that facilitates selective adjustmentof power control information sent in a broadcast signal. The method caninclude receiving, from an access point, a broadcast signal thatincludes power control information and ascertaining if a correction isrecommended for the broadcast power control information. The recommendedcorrection can be conveyed to the access point.

Another aspect relates to a wireless communications apparatus thatincludes a memory and a processor. The memory can retain instructionsrelated to evaluating power control information included in a broadcastsignal, determining if there is at least one error in the informationand notifying an access point of the at least one error in a feedbacksignal. The processor can be coupled to the memory and configured toexecute the instructions retained in the memory.

Yet another aspect relates to a wireless communications apparatus thatenables selective modification of broadcast information within awireless communications environment. The apparatus can include a meansfor identifying incorrect information included in a signal from anaccess point and a means for determining a recommended modification forthe identified incorrect information. Also included in apparatus can bea means for sending the recommended modification in a feedback signal tothe access point.

Still another aspect relates to a machine-readable medium having storedthereon machine-executable instructions for evaluating a correctness ofa signal from an access point; and determining at least one recommendedchange to the signal. The instructions can also include sending the atleast one recommended change to the access point in a feedback signal.

A further aspect relates to an apparatus that includes a processor, theapparatus is in a wireless communication system. The processor can beconfigured to identify inaccurate information included in a signal froman access point. Additionally processor can be configured to determine achange that will correct the inaccurate information and provide to theaccess point a feedback signal that includes the determined change. Thedetermined change can be based at least in part on information includedin the signal.

Still another aspect relates to a method that facilitates selectiveadjustment of information included in a broadcast signal. The method caninclude broadcasting a signal that includes power control information.The signal can be broadcast to at least one device within a geographicarea. The method can further include receiving from the at least onedevice a reply signal that includes at least one modification to thepower control information included in the broadcast signal andselectively applying the at least one modification to the power controlinformation included in the broadcast signal.

Yet another aspect relates to a wireless communications apparatus thatincludes a memory and a processor. The memory can retain instructionsrelated to determining information to include in a broadcast signal,receiving a device recommendation to update information included in thebroadcast signal, and selectively modifying the broadcast signalinformation based in part on the received device recommendation. Theprocessor can be coupled to the memory and configured to execute theinstructions retained in the memory.

Another aspect to a wireless communications apparatus that mitigates alength of an initial access phase in a wireless environment. Theapparatus can include a means for identifying information to include ina broadcast signal sent to a plurality of devices and a means forreceiving at least one reply signal from at least one of the pluralityof devices in response to the broadcast signal. Also included in theapparatus can be a means for changing at least a subset of theinformation included in the broadcast signal based in part on the atleast one reply signal.

Still another aspect can relate to a machine-readable medium havingstored thereon machine-executable instructions for transmitting a signalthat at least one device relies upon to gain access to a communicationsnetwork and evaluating feedback from the at least one device to identifyincorrect information included in the transmitted signal. Theinstructions also relate to adapting the transmitted signal based uponthe feedback evaluation.

Yet another aspect relates to an apparatus in a wireless communicationsystem. The apparatus can include a processor that can be configured toidentify information to include in a broadcast signal that is sent to aplurality of devices. The process can further be configured to evaluateone or more modifications to the information in the broadcast signal,the one or more modifications are received from a subset of theplurality of devices and modify the information included in a subsequentbroadcast signal based on the one or more modifications received.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or moreexamples comprise the features hereinafter fully described andparticularly pointed out in the claims. The following description andthe annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects ofthe one or more examples. These aspects are indicative, however, of buta few of the various ways in which the principles of various examplesmay be employed and the described examples are intended to include allsuch aspects and their equivalents.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or moreexamples comprise the features hereinafter fully described andparticularly pointed out in the claims. The following description andthe annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects ofthe one or more examples. These aspects are indicative, however, of buta few of the various ways in which the principles of various examplesmay be employed and the described examples are intended to include allsuch aspects and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless communication system, in accordance withvarious aspects set forth herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example system that selectively updates broadcastinformation in a wireless communication environment.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example system that enables correction ofbroadcast information for subsequent transmissions in a wirelesscommunication environment.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example communications network that facilitatesautomatic correction of broadcast information through a feedbackmechanism.

FIG. 5, illustrates example methodology that facilitates broadcastingcorrected information within a wireless communication environment.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example methodology that facilitates selectivelyadjusting and reporting information modifications within a wirelesscommunication environment.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example communication system implemented inaccordance with various aspects including multiple cells.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example base station in accordance with variousaspects.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example wireless terminal (e.g., mobile device,end node, and so forth) implemented in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 10, illustrates an example system that enables selectivemodification of broadcast information within a wireless communicationsenvironment.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example system that can mitigate a length of aninitial access phase in a wireless environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various examples are now described with reference to the drawings,wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elementsthroughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of one or more examples. It may be evident, however, thatsuch examples may be practiced without these specific details. In otherinstances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagramform in order to facilitate describing one or more examples.

As used in this application, the terms “component,” “module,” “system,”and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, eitherhardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, orsoftware in execution. For example, a component may be, but is notlimited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor; anobject, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or acomputer. By way of illustration, both an application running on acomputing device and the computing device can be a component. One ormore components can reside within a process and/or thread of executionand a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributedbetween two or more computers. In addition, these components can executefrom various computer readable media having various data structuresstored thereon. The components may communicate by way of local and/orremote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or moredata packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with anothercomponent in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a networksuch as the Internet with other systems by way of the signal).

Furthermore; various aspects are described herein in connection with awireless terminal. A wireless terminal can also be called a system,subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile, mobiledevice, remote station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal,terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, user device, oruser equipment (UE). A wireless terminal may be a cellular phone, acordless telephone, a smart phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant(PDA), a laptop, a handheld communication device, a handheld computingdevice, a computing device, a satellite radio, a global positioningsystem, a processing device connected to a wireless modem and/or othersuitable devices for communication. Moreover, various aspects aredescribed herein in connection with a base station. A base station maybe utilized for communicating with wireless terminal(s) and may also bereferred to as an access point, Node B, or some other terminology.

Moreover, various aspects or features described herein may beimplemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture usingstandard programming and/or engineering techniques. The term “article ofmanufacture” as used herein is intended to encompass a computer programaccessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or media. Forexample, computer-readable media can include but are not limited tomagnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips,an so forth), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatiledisk (DVD), and the like), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,EPROM, card, stick, key drive, and so on). Additionally, various storagemedia described herein can represent one or more devices and/or othermachine-readable media for storing information. The term“machine-readable medium” can include, without being limited to,wireless channels and various other media capable of storing,containing, and/or carrying instruction(s) and/or data.

Referring now to FIG. 1, illustrated is a wireless communication systemor multi-user wireless environment 100 in accordance with the variousaspects disclosed herein. System 100 can comprise one or more basestations 102 (e.g., access points) in on or more sectors that receive,transmit, repeat, etc., wireless communication signals to each otherand/or to one or more mobile devices 104. Each base station 102 cancomprise a transmitter chain and a receiver chain, each of which can inturn comprise a plurality of components associated with signaltransmission and reception (e.g., processors, modulators, multiplexers,demodulators, demultiplexers, antennas, and so one) as will beappreciated by one skilled in the art. Base stations 102 can transmitinformation to mobile devices 104 over forward links (downlinks) andreceive information from mobile devices 104 over reverse links(uplinks). Base station 102 can transmit broadcast signals that includeinformation that allow mobile devices 104 to identify and communicatewith base station 102. The broadcast signal can include variousinformation including access point pilot tones and/or power levelinformation.

In a multi-user wireless network, as illustrated by system 100, mobiledevices 104 should limit their transmit powers to a nominal level inorder to mitigate an amount of interference caused to other mobiledevices 104. Transmitting using very little power, however, places themobile device 104 at a risk of not being heard by the base station 102.Thus, excessive transmit power can lead to undesired interference toother mobile devices that share the medium, while too little power cancause a communication failure. An approach that can be utilized toprovide mitigation of interference is through a closed-loop powercontrol where base station 102 monitors a received power from individualmobile devices 104 and informs mobile devices 104 to adjust theirtransmit powers to a desired level. For the closed-loop power control tooperate properly, mobile device 104 should be transmitting a signal.Thus, this approach might not be utilized during the initial accessphase where mobile device 104 has not yet started transmitting.

A procedure for controlling a mobile device power in the initial accessphase can be through an open loop power control where mobile device 104′estimates its target transmit power based on a power of a receivedsignal. This can assume substantially the same forward link and reverselink losses and that the difference between the mobile device transmitpower and receive power is a constant offset. This offset can bereferred to as the Open Loop Power Offset (OLPO). An estimate of theOLPO can be computed by mobile device 104 or it can be computed bybase-station 102 and communicated to mobile device 104. Mobile device104 can add the OLPO estimate value to the measured received power toobtain an initial transmit power (e.g., final offset value).

Due to several unknowns and variations in the system 100, the estimatemay be inaccurate. This can cause the mobile device transmit power toeither overshoot (e.g. causing excessive interference) or fall short ofthe desired level (e.g., failed access connection and so forth). Ineither situation, mobile device 104 would blindly increase and/ordecrease its power gradually until an acknowledgement of a successfulmobile device 104 transmission is received from base station 102. Thisextra step of power search can prolong an initial access phase,resulting in a lost communication signal or other problems.

In accordance with the disclosed aspects, the extra step can bemitigated for subsequent mobile devices 104 that initiate communicationwith base station 102. For example, upon successful access, a mobiledevice 104 can report its measured final offset value to base station102. Base station 102 can update its estimate of the OLPO based onreports from one or more mobile devices 104 and base station 102 can usethis new value for future attempts (e.g., subsequent broadcast signals),which can mitigate excessive access times for subsequent access attemptsby other mobile devices 104. Thus, the various aspects can providequicker and potentially more accurate open loop power control betweenbase station 102 and mobile devices 104 by updating the power offsetvalues, if needed. These changes can be made when a mobile device 104successfully achieves access to the base station 102 or when basestation 102 achieves an adequate confidence level relating to theaccuracy of the recommendation to change the broadcast information(e.g., confirmation from more than one device, average of all changesreceived in a given interval or other criteria and so forth).

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an example system 200 that enablescorrection of broadcast information for subsequent transmissions in awireless communication environment. Included in system 200 are an accesspoint 202 and a mobile device 204. It should be understood that system200 can include more access points and mobile devices and one of each isillustrated and described for simplicity purposes. Access point 202 canbroadcast information that allows mobile device 204 to identify andestablish communication with access point 202. Included in a broadcastsignal should be at least an access point transmit power and an accesspoint receive power target.

An example of incorrect information that can be corrected with thedisclosed features is offset information, although other information andcalculations can also be corrected. As it relates to offset information,at substantially the same time as mobile device 204 is in communicationwith access point 202, mobile device 204 can measure a power offset anddetermine what power offset information should have been included in theinformation broadcast by access point 202 to allow mobile devices tomore readily establish communication with access point 202. Mobiledevice 204 can communicate this corrected information to access point202 utilizing a feedback or reply signal.

If further detail, mobile device 204 can include a receiver 206 that canbe configured to receive information included the broadcast signal frombase station 202 (as well as other communication signals from basestation 202 and other devices). Once a connection is established betweenmobile device 204 and access point 202, access point 202 can monitor anincoming mobile device power and send corrections to mobile device 204.Such corrections can instruct mobile device 204 to adjust its power sothat signals arrive at access point 202 at a desired Signal to NoiseRatio (SNR). The SNR is a measurement of the relative level of noisewithin a network and can correspond to a transmission quality. SNR isthe ratio of the usable signal being transmitted to the noise orundesired signal.

An access request is generally the first signal that mobile device 204transmits to access point 202, through a transmitter 208, for example.Thus, prior to receiving this signal, access point 202 is not aware ofthe power level at which signals from mobile device 204, will arrive.However, based on an access point transmit power (AP_(TxPwr))information included in the broadcast signal, a power offset evaluator210 associated with mobile device 204, can ascertain a rough adjustmentof the transmit power at which is should transmit (AT_(TxPwr)),utilizing a closed-loop power control. The mobile device transmit power(AT_(TxPwr)) can be based on a power (AT_(RxPwr)) at which mobile device204 receives the signal plus any path losses (L). Thus,AT _(RxPwr) =AP _(TxPwr) −L  Equation 1.and solving for the path losses (L):L=AP _(TxPwr) −AT _(RxPwr)  Equation 2.

Based on the determined path losses (L), transmit power assignor 212,can set the mobile device transmit power (AT_(TxPwr)) to the determinedpath losses (L) plus the access point receive power target (AP_(RxPwr)):AT _(TxPwr) =AP _(RxPwr) +L  Equation 3thus,AT _(TxPwr) =AP _(RxPwr)+(AP _(TxPwr) −AT _(RxPwr))  Equation 4.

The process described above is commonly referred to as open loop powercontrol and has several deficiencies that can be overcome with theaspects disclosed herein. For example, there can be some calibrationerror and/or errors in measuring the received pilot power and/or thedevice transmit power. The result of such errors might result in theinitial access from mobile device 204 coming in at too high a power orat too low a power. If the power is too high, it can cause interferenceto the other mobile devices 204 within system 200. If the power is toolow, access point 202 might not hear the communication from mobiledevice 204, which can result in a delay before mobile device 204 cancommunicate with access point 202. The transmit power of mobile device204 can be altered until mobile device 204 eventually can communicatewith access point 202, resulting in delay while the power is altered.This sight delay can cause problems especially during handoff when it isimportant to establish a connection quickly. The disclosed aspects canmitigate the delay for subsequent mobile devices to achievecommunication with access point 202.

The access point receive power target (AP_(RxPwr)) or offset valueinformation can be communicated to access point by information notifier214. The communication can include a recommendation to adjustinformation in the broadcast signal so that the signal includes correctinformation relating to the offset value so that devices that receivethe broadcast signal are aware and can quickly calculate the value atwhich mobile devices should transmit. It should be understood that othercorrections to the broadcast signal information can be applied utilizedthe disclosed features.

Access point 202 can modify the broadcast information based on therecommendation (e.g., rely on the received recommendation). Access point202 can solicit and receive confirmation from one or more mobile devicesbefore changing the information. Alternatively or additionally, accesspoint 202 can wait until a predetermined number of similarrecommendations are received and adjust the broadcast information basedon an average or other compilation of all the received recommendations.Access point 202 may establish other criteria (e.g., confidence level)in order to establish verification before changing information includedin a broadcast signal.

A memory 216 can be operatively coupled to mobile device 204. Memory 216can store information related to mobile device identificationinformation, mobile device transmit power, path losses, access pointreceive power target, access point transmit power, OLPO and othersuitable information related to verifying information included in asignal received from access point 202. Memory 216 can retaininstructions related to evaluating information included in a broadcastsignal, determining if there is at least one error in the informationand notifying access point 202 of the at least one error in a feedbacksignal. A recommendation can be sent to access point 202 to correct theerror in a next broadcast signal. The error can relate to a poweroffset-value and/or other information included in the broadcast signal.Additionally and/or alternatively memory 216 can retain instructions fornotifying access point 202 if the information contained in the broadcastsignal is correct. Additionally, memory 216 can retain instructions fordetermining a power offset value by comparing an access point transmitpower with a device receive power and setting a transmit power of mobiledevice 204 to a sum of the offset value and an access point receivepower target. In accordance with some aspects, memory 216 can retaininstructions for reviewing a next broadcast signal and providinginformation relating to an accuracy of the next broadcast signal.

Memory 216 can store protocols associated with generatingacknowledgments, recommending-changes to broadcast information; takingaction to control communication between mobile device 204 and accesspoint 202, etc., such that system 200 can employ stored protocols and/oralgorithms to achieve improved communications in a wireless network asdescribed herein. It should be appreciated that the data store (e.g.,memories) components described herein can be either volatile memory ornonvolatile memory; or can include both volatile and nonvolatile,memory. By way of example and not limitation, nonvolatile memory caninclude read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electricallyprogrammable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flashmemory. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM), whichacts as external cache memory. By way of example and not limitation, RAMis available in many forms such as synchronous RAM (DRAM), dynamic RAM(DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM),enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM(DRRAM). Memory 216 of the disclosed aspects are intend to comprise,without being limited to, these and other suitable types of memory.

A processor 218 can be operatively connected to mobile device 204(and/or memory 216) and can be configured to execute the instructionsretained in the memory. Process 218 can also be configured to facilitateanalysis of information related to correcting information in system 200.Processor 218 can be a processor dedicated to analyzing and/orgenerating information received by receiver 206, a processor thatcontrols one or more components of system 200, and/or a processor thatboth analyzes and generates information and controls one or morecomponents of system 200.

Now referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is an example system 300 thatselectively updates broadcast information in a wireless communicationenvironment. System 300 includes at least one access point 302 and atleast one mobile device 304. Access point 302 includes a transmitter 306that can continuously or periodically broadcast forward link informationthat allows mobile devices 304 within a geographic range of access point302 to identify access point 302 (or network) and selectively gainaccess to access point 302. Such selective access can be based onvarious criteria including strength of the signal or quality of thesignal, as well as other factors. According to an example, the broadcastinformation can include an access point transmit power, an access pointreceive power target, an amount of power loss, power offset information,a corrected delta value, or combinations thereof and/or otherinformation.

Mobile device 304 can measure a pilot power from information included inthe broadcast signal. The pilot power is the transmit power of theaccess point minus any path losses. Path losses are defined as the powerloss that occurs when radio waves move through space during specificpaths. Mobile device 304 can solve for the path loss power (L) bysubtracting a received pilot power (Pow_(RxPil)) from the access pointtransmit power:L _(DL)=Pow_(TxPil)−Pow_(RxPil)  Equation 5.where Pow_(TxPil) is the total pilot power of access point 302. L_(DL)symbolizes the downlink path loss. It should be noted that Equation 4 issubstantially the same as Equation 1. For the uplink access request toarrive at the desired SNR level, the access point receive powerPow_(RxAcs) should be:Pow_(RxAcs) =snrTgtAcs+PowNoise  Equation 6.or similarly on the mobile side:Pow_(TxAcs)=Pow_(RxAcs) +L _(UL)  Equation 7.assuming that L_(DL) is equal to L_(UL), then:Pow_(TxAcs)+Pow_(RxPil)=Pow_(RxAcs)+Pow_(TxPil)  Equation 8.

Both terms, Pow_(TxPil) and Pow_(RxAcs) can be known by access point302. Thus, access point 302 can communicate the right, hand side ofEquation 8, Z=Pow_(RxAcs)+Pow_(TxPil) to mobile device 304 through abroadcast channel. The parameter Z is referred to as the open-loop gainoffset. Mobile device 304 can add the Z offset to its received pilotpower to obtain an estimated figure for its initial transmit power.Pow_(TxAcs) =Z−Pow_(RxPil)  Equation 9.If mobile device 304 is unsuccessful in gaining-access, it may reattemptaccessing at different power levels, either higher or lower than theinitial access power from Equation 9. Eventually, if mobile device 304gain access, mobile device 304 can report to access point 302 the finalopen loop power gain offset Z_(final) at which mobile device 304 wasable to connect to access point 302. Access point 302 can use Z_(final)fine tune its copy of the gain offset and include such value in itsbroadcast signal.

To facilitate selective updates to broadcast information, atsubstantially the same time as mobile device 304 receives the broadcastinformation, it may notify access point 302 of any incorrect data and/oroffer a recommendation as to what will correct the information. Mobiledevices 304 can be configured to perform such notification automaticallyor access point 302 may specifically request such information.

A broadcast information adjuster 310 can be configured to selectivelymodify or adapt information in the broadcast signal for futurebroadcasts. For example, broadcast information adjuster 310 can modifythe broadcast information at substantially the same time as a correctionnotification or recommendation is received from mobile device 304.Additionally or alternatively, broadcast information adjuster 310 mightsolicit verification from other mobile devices to determine whether thecorrected information received from mobile device 304 is accurate.Depending on the recommended changes, broadcast information adjuster 310might not modify the information including in the broadcast signal.Alternatively or additionally, if different information is received frommobile devices 304, broadcast information adjuster 310 can average thechanges received, can take a median of recent reports or apply any othermeaningful statistical measure and send the change to the broadcastinformation. Other modifications, adjustments, or acceptance of thereceived recommended changes can be implemented by broadcast informationadjuster 310.

A subsequent mobile device receiving the broadcast signal (e.g., newdevice entering a geographic range of an access point) can benefit frommore accurate information (e.g., modified information) within thebroadcast signal. As such, these subsequent mobile devices can moreefficiently establish and maintain communications with access point 302.If there are additional modifications that should be made (e.g., theinformation is still incorrect or other information is determined to beincorrect), the subsequent mobile device can recommend suchmodifications in a similar manner as described above. If the informationis acceptable (e.g., correct), subsequent mobile devices do not have tosend information informing access point 302 that the information iscorrect. However, this information can be communicated to access point302 in accordance with some aspects.

A memory 312 can be operatively coupled to access point 302. Memory 312can store information and/or retain instructions relating to determininginformation to include in a broadcast signal. Such information in thebroadcast signal can relate to at least one of an access point transmitpower, an access point receive power target, a path loss, or a poweroffset, or combinations thereof. Memory 312 can further storeinformation and/or retain instructions relating to receiving a devicerecommendation to update information included in the broadcast signaland selectively modifying the broadcast signal information based in partoh the received device recommendation. Additionally, memory 312 canstore information and/or retain instructions for determining aconfidence level associated with the device that provided therecommendation, for requesting corroboration of the providedrecommendation from at least a second device, for requestingconfirmation of the information included in the broadcast signal, foraveraging values received from a plurality of devices before selectivelymodifying the information in the broadcast signal, for receivingfeedback from the device that provided the recommendation aftermodifying the broadcast signal to verify appropriate modifications weremade and/or other suitable information related to updating and verifyingthe accuracy of information included in a broadcast signal.

A processor 314 can be operatively connected to access point 302 (and/ormemory 312) to facilitate analysis of information related to updatingand verifying broadcast information and/or can be configured to executethe instructions retained in memory 312. Processor 314 can be aprocessor dedicated to analyzing information received by receiver 308and/or generating information that can be utilized by transmitter 306and/or broadcast information adjuster 310, a processor that controls oneor more components of system 300, and/or a processor that analyzesinformation, generates information and controls one or more componentsof system 300.

With reference to FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example communicationsnetwork 400 that facilitates automatic correction of broadcastinformation through a feedback mechanism. System 400 can be configuredto modify information determined to be incorrect and apply such modifiedinformation selectively to subsequent communications. The informationcan be broadcast to a multitude of devices within the vicinity whereinsuch devices partially or completely rely on such broadcast information(e.g., power offset information).

In further detail, system includes an access point 402 and mobiledevices 404 and 406. Mobile device 404 can be a first device that entersa geographic range of access point 402 and second mobile device 406 canenter the geographic range of access point 402 after first mobile device404. Access point 402 can periodically or continuously transmit orbroadcast forward link information, illustrated at 408 (and 414). Suchinformation allows devices 404, 406 within the vicinity to utilizeaccess point 402 selectively. Such selective utilization can be based onvarious criteria including strength of the signal or quality of thesignal, as well as other factors. The broadcast information can includean access point transmit power, an access point receive power targetand/or other information.

First mobile device 404 can measure a received pilot power, which is theaccess point's transmit power minus any path losses. Mobile device 404can solve for the path loss power (L) by subtracting the received pilotpower from the broadcast access point transmit power. Mobile device 404can set its transmit power to the access point receive power plus thedetermined path loss. Mobile device 404 can send communications 410 toaccess point 402 utilizing the determined transmit power level.

The process described above is commonly referred to as open loop powercontrol and has several deficiencies that can be overcome with thedisclosed features. A deficiency is that there can be some calibrationerror and/or errors in measuring the received pilot power and/or thedevice transmit power. The result of such errors might result in theinitial access coming in at too high of a power or too low of a power.If the power is too high, it can cause interference. If the power is toolow, the access point might not hear the communication from mobiledevice. An error in calibration and/or measurement will result in adelay before mobile device can communicate, with the access point. Thisdelay is a function of mobile device, altering its, transmit power untilit eventually can communicate with the access point. This slight delaycan cause problems especially during handoff when it is important toestablish the connection quickly.

The disclosed aspects overcome this delay so that subsequent mobiledevices 406 that come within the range of access point 402 can obtainquick communication with access point 402. Mobile device 404 receivesthe broadcast information in a forward link 408 from base station 402and calculates its device transmit power similar to the processdescribed above. After mobile device 404 is in communication with accesspoint 402, it measures the power offset and determines what power offsetinformation should have been broadcast by access point 402. Mobiledevice 404 communicates this offset information to access point 402 in afeedback loop illustrated at 412.

Access point 402 can selectively modify its broadcast information basedon the information received from mobile device 404. If the informationreceived from mobile device 404 is utilized to update the broadcastsignal, the updated signal can be broadcast 414 (and 408) and heard by asubsequent mobile device 406 that enters the geographic range of accesspoint 402. As such, mobile device 406 can benefit from the updated (andpotentially correct) information in the broadcast signal to mitigate theamount of time to establish a communication, illustrated at 416, withaccess point 402. Mobile device 406 can provide a recommendation toaccess point 402 if the broadcast information (or a sub-portion of thebroadcast information) is incorrect in a manner similar to thatdescribed above. If the broadcast information is correct, mobile device406 may provide such information to access point 402, however suchnotification is not necessary.

Referring to FIGS. 5-6, methodologies relating to updating broadcastinformation so that subsequent communication of such broadcastinformation provides more accurate information that can be relied uponare illustrated. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, themethodologies are shown and described as a series of acts, it is to beunderstood and appreciated that the methodologies are not limited by theorder of acts, as some acts may, in accordance with one or more aspects,occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts from thatshown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art willunderstand and appreciate that a methodology could alternatively berepresented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in astate diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be required toimplement a methodology in accordance with one or more aspects.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an example methodology 500 that facilitatesselectively adjusting information included in a broadcast signal withina wireless; communication environment. Method 500 starts, at 502, wheninformation including power control information is broadcast (e.g.periodically, continuously). Such information can be broadcast to one ora multitude of devices within a geographic range or vicinity whereinsuch devices partially or completely rely on such broadcast information.The broadcast signal can include information relating to an access pointreceive power target, an access point transmit power, a power offset, apath loss, or combinations thereof and/or other information. In somesituations, access point power target (or other information included inthe signal) is not correct and mobile devices that come within thevicinity of an access point that rely on this information to communicatewith the access point can not obtain instantaneous communication withaccess point. For example, if the power target is too low, the accesspoint might not hear the communication from the mobile device. If thepower target is too high, interference can be caused to other devices inthe vicinity. Access point might request corrected information from themobile devices if a portion or subset of the information (power target,power offset or other information) included in the broadcast signal isdetermined to be incorrect by a mobile device. In accordance with someaspects, the broadcast signal includes a request that one or more mobiledevices confirm if the information included in the broadcast signal iscorrect or if it is incorrect.

At 504, corrected information is received in a reply signal from one ormore mobile devices. The corrected information can include one or moremodifications to the information that was sent in the broadcast signal.For example, one or more mobile devices can determine what informationin the broadcast signal should be modified in order for subsequentmobile devices to receive the correct information in an initialcommunication (e.g., signal) from the access point. The correctedinformation can include offset information or other information thatmight mitigate the amount of time devices need to establishcommunication with access point. In accordance with some aspects, ifthere are no corrections needed to the broadcast signal, a reply signalis not received at 504. In accordance with other aspects, a reply signalis received, at 504, indicating that the broadcast signal informationis, correct.

The modified information received from the one or more mobile devicescan be selectively applied by access point, at 506, to correct theinformation included in the broadcast signal. For example, access pointmight selectively adjust its broadcast information if access pointdetermines that the information is reliable. The information might notbe deemed reliable unless a confidence level is reached. The confidencelevel can be derived, in part, on the reliability of the mobile devicebased on historical information or based on other criteria. Until theinformation is deemed reliable, the modification might not be applied tothe broadcast signal.

However, if the information is determined to be unreliable or notcorroborated by other devices, access point might not adjust thebroadcast information. In some situations, access point might requestfurther information from the same mobile device or from other mobiledevices that can hear the broadcast signal. For example, access pointcan request corroboration of the at least one modification from a second(or more mobile devices) before updating the broadcast signal.

Access point may make modifications to the information received from oneor more mobile devices before applying such modifications to theinformation included in the broadcast signal. For example, themeasurements (or other information) received from more than one devicemight be averaged if the measurements do not match and/or are similar.Other criteria can also be utilized to selectively modify information(e.g., the identification of the mobile device supplying themodification information, the reliability of the mobile device based onhistorical information, and so forth). The method 500 can continue, at502, when modified (or the same) information is broadcast. As such, theinformation included in the broadcast signal can be continuouslymodified, as needed, when changes within the communications networkoccur that render at least a subset of the broadcast signal informationnot correct. In accordance with some aspects; feedback information(e.g., notification whether the broadcast information is correct orincorrect) can be requested and/or received from at least one mobiledevice periodically or continuously to verify that the broadcastinformation remains as correct as possible.

With reference to FIG. 6, illustrated is a methodology 600 thatfacilitates automatic correction of broadcast information through afeedback mechanism. Method 600 starts, at 602 when broadcast informationis received. This information can be received at (or actively soughtout) when a device enters the geographic area of a base station (e.g.,is handed off, upon power-up and so forth). The broadcast informationcan include various types of information including, but not limited to,an identification of an access point, an access point transmit powerlevel, an access point receive power target level, an offset value, aswell as other information that can be utilized by a mobile device toidentify and use access point.

The information included in the broadcast signal might be correct orthere might be one or more portions of the information in the broadcastsignal that are inaccurate. If the information is correct, the mobiledevice can quickly establish communication with access point. The mobiledevice may send a confirmation to access point indicating that theinformation is correct, however, this is not necessary.

If the information or a subset of the information in thebroadcast-signal is incorrect, a determination is made as to whichinformation is incorrect, at 604. Such a determination can be made basedon using the information to establish a communication and, if thecommunication is not established within a predetermined interval,modifying the information (e.g., adjusting a transmit power level) untilcommunication is established. For example, an access point transmitpower and a device receiver power can be compared to determine thedifference between the two powers. The access point transmit power canbe known from information included in the broadcast signal. Thedifference between the two powers can be referred to as a power loss orpower offset value. Additionally or alternatively, calculations can beperformed to correct the information or other actions can be taken todetermine if any of the information is incorrect and to ascertainnecessary corrections. In accordance with some aspects the broadcastsignal can include a request for the mobile device to verify whether asubset (or all) information included in the broadcast signal is accurateand/or needs changes.

At 606, a message including recommended changes can be conveyed (e.g.,in a feedback-signal) to the device that sent the broadcast information,such as an access point. For example, the power offset information canbe provided to the access point recommending that the power offsetinformation be included in a subsequent broadcast signal. The devicethat sent the broadcast information can selectively modify the broadcastinformation and convey the modified broadcast information until anotherchange is recommended, which can be selectively applied. As such, ifchanges are determined to be needed in the broadcast information, thesechanges can be made so that devices that receive the broadcastinformation at a later time receive corrected or modified informationdeemed to be correct. In accordance with some aspects, the access pointcan be notified if the information included in the broadcast signal doesnot need modification (e.g., is correct), however such notification isnot necessary.

It will be appreciated that, in accordance with one or more aspectsdescribed herein, inferences can be made regarding dynamically updatingbroadcast information. As used herein, the term to “infer” or“inference” refers generally to the process of reasoning about orinferring states of the system, environment, and/or user from a set ofobservations as captured through events and/or data. Inference can beemployed to identify a specific context or action, or can generate aprobability distribution over states for example. The inference can beprobabilistic—that is, the computation of a probability distributionover states of interest based on a consideration of data and events.Inference can also refer to techniques employed for composinghigher-level events from a set of events and/or data. Such inferenceresults in the construction of new events or actions from a set ofobserved events and/or stored event data, whether or not the events arecorrelated in close temporal proximity, and whether the events and datacome from one or several event and data sources.

According to an example, one or more methods presented above can includemaking inferences pertaining to selectively making changes toinformation included in a broadcast signal. In accordance with anotherexample, an inference can be made related to a number of verificationsthat should be received based on a type of information that isrecommended to be changed. According to a further example, an inferencecan be made pertaining to a likelihood of a recommended change beingaccurate based upon an identification of a device that provided therecommendation. It will be appreciated that the foregoing examples areillustrative in nature and are not intended to limit the number ofinferences that can be made or the manner in which such inferences aremade in conjunction with the various aspects described herein.

FIG. 7 depicts an example communication system 700 implemented inaccordance with various aspects including multiple cells: cell I 702,cell M 704. Note that neighboring cells 702, 704 overlap slightly, asindicated by cell boundary region 768, thereby creating potential forsignal interference between signals transmitted by base stations inneighboring cells. Each cell 702, 704 of system 700 includes threesectors. Cells which have not be subdivided into multiple sectors (N=1),cells with two sectors (N=2) and cells with more than 3 sectors (N>3)are also possible in accordance with various aspects. Cell 702 includesa first sector, sector I 710, a second sector, sector II 712, and athird sector, sector III 714. Each sector 710, 712, 714 has two sectorboundary regions; each boundary region is shared between two adjacentsectors.

Sector boundary regions provide potential for signal interferencebetween signals transmitted by base stations in neighboring sectors.Line 716 represents a sector boundary region between sector I 710 andsector II 712; line 718 represents a sector boundary region betweensector II 712 and sector III 714; line 720 represents a sector boundaryregion between sector III 714 and sector I 710. Similarly, cell M 704includes a first sector, sector I 722, a second sector, sector II 724,and a third sector, sector III 726. Line 728 represents a sectorboundary region between sector I 722 and sector II 724; line 730represents a sector boundary region between sector II 724 and sector III726; line 732 represents a boundary region between sector III 726 andsector I 722. Cell I 702 includes a base station (BS), base station I706, and a plurality of end nodes (ENs) (e.g., wireless terminals) ineach sector 710, 712, 714. Sector I 710 includes EN(1) 736 and EN(X) 738coupled to BS 706 by wireless links 740, 742, respectively; sector II712 includes EN(1′) 744 and EN(X′) 746 coupled to BS 706 by wirelesslinks 748, 750, respectively; sector III 714 includes EN(1″) 752 andEN(X″) 754 coupled to BS 706 by wireless links 756, 758, respectively.Similarly, cell M 704 includes base station M 708, and a plurality ofend nodes (ENs) in each sector 722, 724, 726. Sector I 722 includesEN(1) 736′ and EN(X) 738′ coupled to BS M 708 by wireless links 740′,742′, respectively; sector II 724 includes EN(1′) 744′ and EN(X′) 746′coupled to BS M 708 through wireless links 748′, 750′, respectively;sector 3 726 includes EN(1″) 752′ and EN(X″) 754′ coupled to BS 708 bywireless links 756′, 758′, respectively.

System 700 also includes a network node 760 which is coupled to BS I 706and BS M 708 by network links 762, 764, respectively. Network node 760is also coupled to other network nodes, (e.g., other base stations, AAAserver nodes, intermediate nodes, routers, and so forth) and theInternet through network link 766. Network links 762, 764, 766 may be,example, fiber optic cables. Each end node, such as EN(1) 736, may be awireless terminal including a transmitter as well as a receiver. Thewireless terminals, (e.g., EN(1) 736) may move through system 700 andmay communicate through wireless links with the base station in the cellin which the EN is currently-located. The wireless terminals, (WTs)(e.g., EN(1) 736), may communicate with peer nodes, (e.g., other WTs insystem 700 or outside system 700) through a base station, such as, BS706, and/or network node 760. WTs, such as EN(1) 736 may be mobilecommunications devices such as cell phones, personal data assistantswith wireless modems, etc.

Respective base stations perform tone subset allocation using adifferent method for the strip-symbol periods, from the method employedfor allocating tones and determining tone hopping in the rest symbolperiods (e.g., non strip-symbol periods). The wireless terminals use thetone subset allocation method along with information received from thebase station (e.g., base station slope ID, sector ID information) todetermine tones that they can employ to receive data and information atspecific strip-symbol periods. The tone subset allocation sequence isconstructed, in accordance with various aspects to spread inter-sectorand inter-cell interference across respective tones.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example base station 800 in accordance withvarious aspects. Base station 800 implements tone subset allocationsequences, with different tone subset allocation sequences-generated forrespective different sector types of the cell. Base station 800 may beused as any one of base stations 706, 708 of the system 700 of FIG. 7.The base station 800 includes a receiver 802, a transmitter 804, aprocessor 806 (e.g., CPU), an input/output interface 808 and memory 810coupled together by a bus 809 over which various elements 802, 804, 806,808, and 810 may interchange data and information.

Sectorized antenna 803 coupled to receiver 802 is used for receivingdata and other signals, e.g., channel reports, from wireless terminalstransmissions from each sector within the base station's cell.Sectorized antenna 805 coupled to transmitter 804 is used fortransmitting data and other signals (e.g., control signals, pilotsignal, beacon signals, and so forth) to wireless terminals 900 (seeFIG. 9) within each sector of the base station's cell. In variousaspects, base station 800 may employ multiple receivers 802 and multipletransmitters 804, for example, an individual receiver 802 for eachsector and an individual transmitter 804 for each sector. Processor 806may be; for example, a general purpose central processing unit (CPU).Processor 806 controls operation of base station 800 under direction ofone or more routines 818 stored in memory 810 and implements themethods. Input/Output (I/O) interface 808 provides a connection to othernetwork nodes, coupling the BS 800 to other base stations, accessrouters, AAA server nodes, etc., other networks, and the Internet.Memory 810 includes routines 818 and data/information 820.

Data/information 820 includes data 836, tone subset allocation sequenceinformation 838 including downlink strip-symbol time information 840 anddownlink tone information 842, and wireless terminal (WT) data/info 844including a plurality of sets of WT information: WT 1 info 846 and WT Ninfo 860. Each set of WT info (e.g., WT 1 info 846) includes data 848,terminal ID 850, sector ID 852, uplink channel information 854, downlinkchannel information 856, and mode information 858.

Routines 818 include communications routines 822, base station controlroutines 824, and data update routines 862. Base station controlroutines 824 includes a scheduler module 826 and signaling routines 828including a tone subset allocation routine 830 for strip-symbol periods,other downlink tone allocation hopping routine 832 for the rest ofsymbol periods (e.g., non strip-symbol periods), and a beacon routine834. Data update routines 862 can further include feedback evaluationroutines (not shown) and/or device characteristic evaluation routines(not shown).

Data 836 includes data to be transmitted that will be sent to encoder814 of transmitter 804 for encoding prior to transmission to WTs, andreceived data from WTs that has been processed through decoder 812 ofreceiver 802 following reception. Downlink strip-symbol time information840 includes the frame synchronization structure information, such asthe superslot, beaconslot, and ultraslot structure information andinformation specifying whether a given symbol period is a strip-symbolperiod, and if so, the index of the strip-symbol period and whether thestrip-symbol is a resetting point to truncate the tone subset allocationsequence used by the base station. Downlink tone information 842includes information including a carrier frequency assigned to the basestation 800, the number and frequency of tones, and the set of tonesubsets to be allocated to, the strip-symbol periods, and other cell andsector specific values such as slope, slope index and sector type.

Data 848 may include data that WT1 900 has received from a peer node,data that WT 1 900 desires to be transmitted to a peer node, anddownlink channel quality report feedback information. Terminal ID 850 isa base station 800 assigned ID that identifies WT 1 900. Sector ID 852includes information identifying the sector in which WT 900 isoperating. Sector ID 852 can be used, for example, to determine thesector type. Uplink channel information 854 includes informationidentifying channel segments that have been allocated by scheduler 826for WT1 900 to use (e.g., uplink traffic channel segments for data,dedicated uplink control channels for requests, power control, timingcontrol, an so forth).

Each uplink channel assigned to WT1 900 includes one or more logicaltones, each logical tone following an uplink hopping sequence. Downlinkchannel information 856 includes information identifying channelsegments that have been allocated by scheduler 826 to carry data and/orinformation to WT1 900 (e.g., downlink traffic channel segments for userdata). Each downlink channel assigned to WT1 900 includes one or morelogical tones, each following a downlink hopping sequence. Modeinformation 858 includes information identifying the state of operationof WT1 900 (e.g., sleep, hold, on).

Communications routines 822 control the base station 800 to performvarious communications operations and implement various communicationsprotocols. Base station control routines 824 are used to control thebase station 800 to perform basic base station functional tasks (e.g.,signal generation and reception, scheduling) and to implement the stepsof the method of some aspects including transmitting signals to wirelessterminals using the tone subset allocation sequences during thestrip-symbol periods.

Signaling routine 828 controls the operation of receiver 802 with itsdecoder 812 and transmitter 804 with its encoder 814. The signalingroutine 828 is responsible for controlling the generation of transmitteddata 836 and control information. Tone subset allocation routine 830constructs the tone subset to be used in a strip-symbol period using themethod of the aspect and using data/information 820 including downlinkstrip-symbol time info 840 and sector ID 852. The downlink tone subsetallocation sequences will be different for each sector type in a celland different for adjacent cells.

The WTs 900 receive the signals in the strip-symbol periods inaccordance with the downlink tone subset allocation sequences; the basestation 800 uses the same downlink tone subset allocation sequences inorder to generate the transmitted signals. Other downlink toneallocation hopping routine 832 constructs downlink tone hoppingsequences, using information including downlink tone information 842,and downlink channel information 856, for the symbol periods other thanthe strip-symbol periods. The downlink data tone hopping sequences aresynchronized across the sectors of a cell. Beacon routine 834 controlsthe transmission of a beacon signal (e.g., a signal of relatively highpower signal concentrated on one or a few tones), which may be used forsynchronization purposes (e.g., to synchronize the frame timingstructure of the downlink signal) and therefore the tone subsetallocation sequence with respect to an ultra-slot boundary.

Data update routines 862 can further include feedback evaluationroutines (not shown) and/or device characteristic evaluation routines(not shown). Feedback can be evaluated to determine if data included ina transmitted signal should be updated, deleted, added and so forth. Thefeedback can be from one or more devices and can relate to all or asub-portion of data transmitted by base station 800. Additionally and/oralternatively, characteristics associated with a device that providedthe feedback can be evaluated to determine if the data should bemodified. Moreover, data update routines 862 can control datamodification based on a confidence level associated with the modifieddata and/or the device that supplied the modification. In accordancewith some aspects, the data update routines 862 can be based on anaggregate of feedback received and/or based on other criteria.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example wireless terminal (e.g., end node, mobiledevice, . . . ) 900 that can be used as any one of the wirelessterminals (e.g., end nodes, mobile devices, . . . ), e.g., EN(1) 736, ofthe system 700 shown in FIG. 7. Wireless terminal 900 implements thetone subset allocation sequences. Wireless terminal 900 includes areceiver 902 including a decoder 912, a transmitter 904 including anencoder 914, a processor 906, and memory 908 which are coupled togetherby a bus 910 over which the various elements 902, 904, 906, 908 caninterchange data and information. An antenna 903 used for receivingsignals from a base station 800 (and/or a disparate wireless terminal)is coupled to receiver 902. An antenna 905 used for transmittingsignals, such as to base station 800 (and/or a disparate wirelessterminal) is coupled to transmitter 904.

The processor 906 (e.g., a CPU) controls operation of wireless terminal900 and implements methods by executing routines 920 and usingdata/information 922 in memory 908. Data/information 922 includes userdata 934, user information 936, and tone subset allocation sequenceinformation 950. User data 934 may include data, intended for a peernode, which will be routed to encoder 914 for encoding prior totransmission by transmitter 904 to base station 800, and data receivedfrom the base station 800 which has been processed by the decoder 912 inreceiver 902. User information 936 includes uplink channel information938, downlink channel information 940, terminal ID information 942, basestation ID information 944, sector ID information 946, and modeinformation 948.

Uplink channel information 938 includes information identifying uplinkchannels segments that have been assigned by base station 800 forwireless terminal 900 to use when transmitting to the base station 800.Uplink channels may include uplink traffic channels, dedicated uplinkcontrol channels (e.g., request channels, power control channels andtiming control channels). Each uplink channel includes one or more logictones, each logical tone following an uplink tone hopping sequence. Theuplink hopping sequences are different between each sector type of acell and between adjacent cells. Downlink channel information 940includes information identifying downlink channel segments that havebeen assigned by base station 800 to WT 900 for use when BS 800 istransmitting data/information to WT 900. Downlink channels may includedownlink traffic channels and assignment channels, each downlink channelincluding one or more logical tone, each logical tone following adownlink hopping sequence, which is synchronized between each sector ofthe cell.

User info 936 also includes terminal ID information 942, which is a basestation 800 assigned identification, base station ID information 944that identifies the specific base station 800 that WT has establishedcommunications with, and sector ID info 946, which identifies thespecific sector of the cell where WT 900 is presently located. Basestation ID 944 provides a cell slope value and sector ID info 946provides a sector index type; the cell slope value and sector index typemay be used to derive tone hopping sequences. Mode information 948 alsoincluded in user info 936 identifies whether the WT 900 is in sleepmode, hold mode, or on mode.

Tone subset allocation sequence information 950 includes downlinkstrip-symbol time information 952 and downlink tone information 954.Downlink strip-symbol time information 952 include the framesynchronization structure information such as the superslot, beaconslot,and ultraslot structure information and information specifying whether agiven symbol period is a strip-symbol period, and if so, the index ofthe strip-symbol period and whether the strip-symbol is a resettingpoint to truncate the tone subset allocation sequence used by thebase-station. Downlink tone info 954 includes information including acarrier frequency assigned to the base station 800, the number andfrequency of tones, and the set of tone subsets to be allocated to thestrip-symbol periods, and other cell and sector specific values such asslope, slope index and sector type.

Routines 920 include communications routines 924, wireless terminalcontrol routines 926, information correction routines 928 andnotification routines 930. Communications routines 924 control thevarious communications protocols used by WT 900. By way of example,communications routines 924 may enable receiving a broadcast signal(e.g., from base station 800). Wireless terminal control routines 926control basic wireless terminal 900 functionality including the controlof the receiver 902 and transmitter 904.

Information correction routines 928 can control selective correction ofinformation included in a signal received from an access point. Theselective correction can relate to information utilized by wirelessterminal 900 to identify and establish communication with access point.For example, the correction can relate to a power offset or otherinformation that should be included in the signal or that should bemodified. Notification routines 930 can control notification of thecorrections and/or verification of the correctness of informationincluded in the signal.

With reference to FIG. 10, illustrated is an example system 1000 thatenables selective modification of broadcast information within awireless communications environment. For example, system 1000 may resideat least partially within a mobile device. It is to be appreciated thatsystem 1000 is represented as including functional blocks, which may befunctional blocks that represent functions implemented by a processor,software, or combination thereof (e.g., firmware). System 1000 includesa logical grouping 1002 of electrical components that can actindividually and/or in conjunction.

Logical grouping 1002 may include an electrical component foridentifying incorrect information received in a signal 1104. The signalcan be received from an access point and can include a variety ofinformation including but not limited to an access point power target,an access point transmit power, a power offset, and so forth. Also,including in the signal can be a request to verify at least a portion ofthe information included in the signal.

Further, logical grouping 1002 can comprise an electrical component fordetermining a recommended modification 1106. The recommendedmodification can be a modification relating to information in the signalthat should be changed, added, deleted, etc. For example, a logicalmodule can determine a power offset value. The power offset value can bebased in part on information included in the signal, such as an accesspoint transmit power. The access point transmit power can be compared toa receive power and the difference between the two powers determined,which can be referred to as the power offset value.

Logical grouping 1002 can include an electrical component for sendingthe recommended modification in a feedback signal 1108. The recommendedmodification can be a power offset value that should be included (orupdated) in the signal. By way of illustration, the feedback signal canbe sent to access point, wherein access point can use the information toselectively modify information in the signal. In accordance with someaspects, a result of the verification (if one was requested) can beconveyed to the access point. A next signal can be received from anaccess point and evaluated. The result of whether the next signal iscorrect or incorrect can be sent in a feedback notification to theaccess point.

Additionally, system 1000 may include a memory 1010 that retainsinstructions for executing functions associated with electricalcomponents 1004, 1006, and 1008. While shown as being external to memory1010, it is to be understood that one or more of electrical components1004, 1006, and 1008 may exist within memory 1010.

With reference to FIG. 11, illustrated is a system 1100 that canmitigate a length of an initial access phase in a wireless environment.For example, system 1100 may reside at least partially within a basestation. It is to be appreciated that system 1100 is represented asincluding functional blocks, which may be functional blocks thatrepresent functions implemented by a processor, software, or combinationthereof (e.g., firmware). System 1000 includes a logical grouping 1102of electrical components that can act independently and/or inconjunction. For instance, logical grouping 1102 may include anelectrical component for identifying information to include in abroadcast signal 1104. The broadcast information can be sent to multipledevices and can include a variety of information relating to system 1100and can include information that various devices can receive and relyupon to identify and gain access (e.g., initial access phase) to system1100. Broadcast information can also include requests for the one ormore of the devices to respond and/or verify the accuracy of theinformation included in the broadcast signal.

Further, logical grouping 1102 can comprise an electrical component forreceiving reply signals from one or more of the devices 1106. The replysignal can be in response to the broadcast signal. For example, one ormore of the various devices can automatically provide updatedinformation and/or a recommendation to modify-one or more portions ofinformation in the broadcast signal if the device determines that theinformation is incorrect. In accordance with some aspects, if theinformation is correct, one or more devices can reply indicating thatthe information is accurate. Additionally and/or alternatively, one ormore devices might only provide a recommendation or other feedback ifthere is a request for such information included in the broadcastsignal.

Moreover, logical grouping 1102 can include an electrical component forchanging at least a subset of the information included in the broadcastsignal 108. The change can be based on the one or more reply signals orcan be based on other criteria. By way of illustration, changing atleast a subset of the information can be optimized by consideringvarious characteristics of one or more received reply signals and/or thecharacteristics of the devices supplying the recommendations. Forexample, if more than one reply signal is received an average oraggregate of the signals can be utilized to change the information. Aconfidence level of accuracy of the information (e.g., reply signal)supplied by one or more devices can be analyzed to determine ifinformation within the broadcast signal should be changed. Theinformation changed can relate to power or other information whereincorrected information can mitigate the amount of time that a subsequentdevice takes to identify and gain access to system 1100. A request canbe sent in a subsequent broadcast signal for devices within the vicinityto verify the accuracy of the modified information.

It is to be understood that the aspects described herein may beimplemented in hardware software, firmware, middleware, microcode, orany combination thereof. For a hardware implementation, the processingunits may be implemented within one or more application specificintegrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digitalsignal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs),field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers,micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed toperform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof.

When the aspects are implemented in software, firmware, middleware ormicrocode, program code or code segments, they may be stored in amachine-readable medium, such as a storage component. A code segment mayrepresent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, asubroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination ofinstructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment maybe coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passingand/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memorycontents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed,forwarded, or transmitted using any suitable means including memorysharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.

For a software implementation, the techniques described herein may beimplemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) thatperform the functions described herein. The software codes may be storedin memory units and executed by processors. The memory unit may beimplemented within the processor or external to the processor, in whichcase it can be communicatively coupled to the processor through variousmeans as is known in the art.

What has been described above includes examples of one or more aspects.It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combinationof components or methodologies for purposes of describing theaforementioned aspects, but one of ordinary skill in the art mayrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of variousaspects are possible. Accordingly, the described aspects are intended toembrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fallwithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to theextent that the term “includes” is used in either the detaileddescription or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in amanner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpretedwhen employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, the term“or” as used in either the detailed description of the claims is meantto be a “non-exclusive or”.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of operating a wireless device,comprising: receiving a broadcast signal from an access point, thebroadcast signal including transmission power control information;measuring a received pilot power level; determining a transmission powerto be used for an access request signal based on the receivedtransmission power control information and the measured received pilotpower level; and determining if the broadcast signal includes inaccuratetransmission power control information.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein said broadcast signal provides power offset information.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: performing an initial accessattempt using said determined transmission power.
 4. The method of claim3, further comprising: performing an additional access attempt using ahigher transmission power when said initial access attempt using saiddetermined transmission power level is unsuccessful.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: conveying a recommended change to thetransmission power control information when it is determined thattransmission power control information included in the broadcast signalincludes inaccurate transmission power control information.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, wherein said transmission power control informationincludes open loop transmission power control information including apower offset; and wherein said recommended change includes a recommendedchange to said power offset.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein saiddetermining a transmission power to be used for an access request signalincludes determining if a transmission power offset included in thereceived transmission power control information is inaccurate.
 8. Awireless device comprising: means for receiving a broadcast signal froman access point, the broadcast signal including transmission powercontrol information; means for measuring a received pilot power level;means for determining a transmission power to be used for an accessrequest signal based on the received transmission power controlinformation and the measured received pilot power level; and means fordetermining if the broadcast signal includes inaccurate transmissionpower control information.
 9. The wireless device of claim 8, whereinsaid broadcast signal provides power offset information.
 10. Thewireless device of claim 9, further comprising: means for conveying arecommended change to the transmission power control information it isdetermined that transmission power control information included in thebroadcast signal includes inaccurate transmission power controlinformation.
 11. The wireless device of claim 10, wherein saidtransmission power control information includes open loop transmissionpower control information including a power offset; and wherein saidrecommended change includes a recommended change to said power offset.12. The wireless device of claim 8, further comprising: means forperforming an initial access attempt using said determined transmissionpower.
 13. The wireless device of claim 12, wherein said means forperforming an initial access attempt perform an additional accessattempt using a higher transmission power when said initial accessattempt using said determined transmission power level is unsuccessful.14. A wireless device comprising: at least one processor configured to:receive a broadcast signal from an access point, the broadcast signalincluding transmission power control information; measuring a receivedpilot power level; determine a transmission power to be used for anaccess request signal based on the received transmission power controlinformation and the measured received pilot power level ; and determineif the broadcast signal includes inaccurate transmission power controlinformation; and a memory coupled to said at least one processor. 15.The wireless device of claim 14, wherein said broadcast signal providespower offset information.
 16. The wireless device of claim 14, whereinsaid at least one processor is further configured to perform an initialaccess attempt using said determined transmission power.
 17. Thewireless device of claim 16, wherein said at least one processor isfurther configured to perform an additional access attempt using ahigher transmission power when said initial access attempt using saiddetermined transmission power level is unsuccessful.
 18. The wirelessdevice of claim 14, wherein said at least one processor is furtherconfigured to convey a recommended change to the transmission powercontrol information when it is determined that transmission powercontrol information included in the broadcast signal includes inaccuratetransmission power control information.
 19. The wireless device of claim18, wherein said transmission power control information includes openloop transmission power control information including a power offset;and wherein said recommended change includes a recommended change tosaid power offset.
 20. A computer program product for use in a wirelessdevice, comprising: non-transitory computer readable medium comprising:code for causing at least one computer to receive a broadcast signalfrom an access point, the broadcast signal including transmission powercontrol information; code for causing the at least one computer tomeasure a received pilot power level; code for causing the at least onecomputer to determine a transmission power to be used for an accessrequest signal based on the received transmission power controlinformation and the measured received pilot power level; and code forcausing the at least one computer to determine if the broadcast signalincludes inaccurate transmission power control information.